Zack Polanski: What period or moment in your life brought you the most joy? — FLAPSS

The question

What period or moment in your life brought you the most joy?

Originally asked

The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A

Asked in 52 of the 131 consecutive instalments of The Guardian's The Q&A harvested on 2026-08-29.

You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.

ZP

Zack Polanski

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

Last summer with my boyfriend Richie. We had no plans – it was just wonderful.

The Q&A, The Guardian, 6 December 2025 source ↗

Others on this question

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Chris Bonington

When I was climbing I was absolutely happy. I can use a climbing wall, but that’s not the same as real climbing.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 22 March 2025 source ↗

John Malkovich Actor

Probably when our children were small, which is not to say I am unhappy now.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 10 March 2018 source ↗

Anywhere, during the 2 to 24 hours after a successful joke.

Recorded Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, May 2011 source ↗

Mary Portas English retail consultant

Now. Without a doubt

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 23 March 2012 source ↗

More from Zack Polanski

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Question What one change would most improve the quality of your daily life? Daily life

Proportional representation.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 6 December 2025 source ↗

Question When were you most embarrassed? Failure & regret

Being misrepresented by a Sun journalist 12 years ago.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 6 December 2025 source ↗

Question What disappointment has stayed with you longest? Failure & regret

Forest Green Rovers, my football team, getting relegated.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 6 December 2025 source ↗

Question What most recently moved you to tears? Identity & self

Deputy leader Mothin Ali gave a speech at conference talking about growing up in poverty and the effect it had on his family. It was incredibly powerful and I had tears streaming from my eyes.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 6 December 2025 source ↗

Question What do you fear most? Identity & self

A Reform government.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 6 December 2025 source ↗

Question Who alive today do you admire most, and what draws you to them? Values & belief

Chlöe Swarbrick who is co-leader of the New Zealand Greens. She’s demonstrating the bold leadership that I look to do every single day.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 6 December 2025 source ↗

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